Antenna Panel Switching Rate Feedback for Stable Beam Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User devices in communication systems are limited to having only one active antenna panel at a time, which can lead to challenges in maintaining effective beam correspondence and radio connectivity due to high antenna panel switching rates, especially with narrow beams.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that determines and reports the antenna panel switching rate to a network node, allowing for configuration of parameters such as beam width adjustments and preferred panel identification based on switching rate data, enabling optimized communication link settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna panels are used to improve beam correspondence and radio connectivity, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the device complexity increases due to managing multiple active panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple separate antenna panels, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the device to maintain multiple active panels simultaneously, improving radio connectivity through diverse beam paths while managing complexity by treating each panel as an independent unit with its own activation state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic panel switching where the activation state of antenna panels changes based on communication conditions. The system dynamically determines which panels to activate or deactivate based on factors like beam correspondence quality and radio connectivity requirements, allowing adaptive optimization without permanent complex configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If narrow beams are used to improve directional communication precision, then the manufacturing precision of beam alignment is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to high panel switching rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of panel switching rates before actual communication occurs. By measuring and evaluating panel switching rates in advance, the system can identify conditions that would lead to excessive switching and take preventive actions, such as adjusting beam parameters or selecting alternative panels, thereby maintaining communication stability while preserving narrow beam precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where panel switching rates are continuously measured and reported to the network. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor the impact of narrow beam usage on panel switching frequency and adjust beam parameters or panel selection strategies to maintain an optimal balance between alignment precision and communication stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: receiving antenna panel switching rate configuration parameters; determining an antenna panel switching rate at a user device of a communication system, wherein the antenna panel switching rate is based on a number of antenna panel switching events within a moving averaging window, wherein the window has a size defined by said configuration parameters; and providing a panel switching rate report to a network node of the communication system, wherein the panel switching rate report includes the determined antenna panel switching rate.